Blue Jays’ Yesavage Sets Record with 12 Strikeouts in Game 5 Win

UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill, Trey Yesavage set a World Series rookie record with 12 strikeouts as the Toronto Blue Jays crushed the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-1 in Game 5 on October 25, 2023. This victory places Toronto just one win away from capturing its first championship since 1993.

The Blue Jays kicked off the game with dramatic back-to-back homers from Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the first and third pitches thrown by Blake Snell. This marks the first time in World Series history that consecutive homers have opened a game.

Yesavage, only 22 years old, dominated the mound, allowing just three hits over seven innings. He broke the previous rookie record of 11 strikeouts, set by Don Newcombe in 1949. With six strikeouts each from his sinking splitter and spinning slider, Yesavage became the first pitcher in World Series history to record 12 strikeouts with no walks.

“Just need to get in the strike zone,” Yesavage stated in a post-game interview with Fox. “When three of my pitches are in the strike zone — even two, like part of tonight — I’m in control.”

The only run he allowed came from a homer by Enrique Hernandez in the third inning, cutting the Dodgers’ deficit to 2-1. Yesavage’s performance was bolstered by his ability to induce 23 swing-and-misses, the highest in a World Series game since pitch tracking began in 2008.

This victory sets the stage for a potential championship clincher on Friday night at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays will face the Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto against Toronto’s Kevin Gausman, hoping to dethrone the defending champions.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, struggled offensively, managing only four runs over their last 29 innings. Manager Dave Roberts made significant changes to the lineup, moving Mookie Betts down to third for the first time since 2021, yet the team continues to flounder, hitting just .202 in the Series.

With a crowd of 52,175 at Dodger Stadium, Yesavage’s historic performance not only captivated fans but also solidified his status as a rising star in baseball. His journey from pitching in front of 327 fans in Single-A just months ago to achieving this record demonstrates his exceptional talent and determination.

As the Blue Jays prepare for Game 6, the urgency for both teams intensifies. Will Toronto secure the championship, or can Los Angeles rally back to stay alive in the Series? Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying showdown.